ESPN calls one of Tennessee's biggest rivals a 'loser' in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason
ESPN feels like one of the Tennessee Vols' main rivals was one of the biggest losers during the NCAA transfer portal cycle this offseason. Tom VanHaaren, one of ESPN's college football writers, detailed the biggest winners and losers of the portal this offseason and he listed the Florida Gators among the biggest losers. From ESPN: […]
ESPN feels like one of the Tennessee Vols' main rivals was one of the biggest losers during the NCAA transfer portal cycle this offseason.
Tom VanHaaren, one of ESPN's college football writers, detailed the biggest winners and losers of the portal this offseason and he listed the Florida Gators among the biggest losers.
Florida has lost 26 players to the portal since Nov. 11, including:
- Former ESPN 300 safety Kamar Wilcoxson
- Edge rusher Lloyd Summerall III (11 games)
- Safety Donovan McMillon (20 tackles)
- Linebackers Chief Borders (12 games) and David Reese (13 games)
- Running back Nay'Quan Wright (753 career yards, five TDs)
- Wide receiver Daejon Reynolds (244 yards, two TDs in 2022)
Billy Napier and his staff have made moves, bringing in Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz, Ohio State linebacker Teradja Mitchell and Louisville defensive lineman Caleb Banks.
Despite that and the fact the Gators have a top-10 recruiting class coming in, they still have work to do to replace depth and competition at some key positions on both sides of the ball.
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier gestures during an official reply review during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 12, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs South Carolina Gamecocks](http://atozsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/16259-syndication-gainesville-sun.jpg)
Billy Napier had a challenging first year as Florida's head coach.
The Gators finished with a 6-7 record, which included a loss to Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Those types of seasons often get coaches fired in Gainesville.
There's no doubt that the portal losses are concerning for Florida, but it's worth noting that this could also just be Napier shaping the roster to suit his vision for the program. Sometimes attrition is needed to take a step forward.
Florida's top 10 recruiting class is a positive sign. But the jury is certainly still out on Napier. Ultimately, wins are how success is measured.
The next two seasons will be pivotal when it comes to the future of the Gators' football program. If they don't show some rapid improvement by late next season, Florida fans are going to start strongly questioning if Napier is the right man to lead the program.
Featured image via Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
